Local TD surprised by Coveney decision to step down as minister
LOCAL Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan this week spoke of his surprise upon learning that Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Simon Coveney TD was to step down from his role.
Simon Coveney announced his intention to step down when the Dail resumes next week, with speculation mounting that he may be preparing to run in the European Election.
Coveney's decision to step down comes just weeks after Leo Varadkar stepped down as Taoiseach, amid a number of other resignations from within the party.
“I was surprised to learn of the decision of the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Simon Coveney TD to step down from cabinet in anticipation of the election of Simon Harris TD as Taoiseach,” Feighan said.
“I had the pleasure of serving with Simon Coveney in the Oireachtas since my election to the Seanad in 2002.
“Over all these years both in opposition, as a senior opposition spokesperson and as Minister in various departments Simon was always very supportive of me as a backbencher and later as a ministerial colleague from 2020 to 2022.
“Simon has had a distinguished career as a Minister in Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, Defence and Enterprise and Employment.
“He represented Ireland with distinction and as a Minister closely involved with Northern Ireland and the Good Friday agreement committee I know of the huge work that he put in, his patience and his ability to listen allowed this island to make significant progress while we were over shadowed with the challenges of Brexit.
“Only last month had the pleasure to walk the streets of Sligo with Minister Coveney visiting the many retailers who themselves discussed their challenges around employment costs, energy inflation and red tape, I was thrilled to see how Simon fully engaged with those businesspeople, listened, and assured them of the government's determination to develop a package to assist the SME sector.
“As a friend and colleague I wish Simon and his family every good health and happiness in whatever career moves he makes from here, he richly deserves it all.”